Andrea Kuhn, a senior at Springfield High School, knows this feeling all too well. This summer, she was harassed while walking to her car after working at a store in the mall.

Because White Oaks Mall employees have designated parking spaces in the last rows of the parking lot, they often have a long walk to their cars.

While heading to her parking spot one night, a man followed her and continually yelled to her. She quickly walked to her car while keeping her head down.

“I never know what to do,” Andrea said. “I don’t want to say, ‘Leave me alone. Don’t talk to me,’ because I don’t want to make them mad.”

Now, if it’s dark, Andrea said she tries to walk out with someone. She also refuses to park so far from the mall entrance.

“I park as close as I can because I can’t see if people are sitting in cars, and it’s ridiculous that we have to park so far away,” she said.

Madison Sullivan, a Sacred Heart-Griffin High School graduate and freshman at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, worked at a smaller store inside White Oaks this summer. She was able to feel comfortable parking in the designated spots because her manager walked out with her.

“The mall is a good place to work, but I hate the parking situation,” Madison said.

She said she thinks it’s “really scary” at night because cars are scattered all over the parking lot; she suggests better lighting or a section of designated parking for employees that’s closer to the mall entrance.

Stephen Hunt, the director of marketing for White Oaks, said the parking policy for employees is meant to ensure customers have the best spots available to them. However, he said, mall security officers always are available to escort an employee or customer to their car.

“The stores all have security’s direct phone number, which is also answered 24 hours a day,” Hunt said in an e-mail. “If an individual feels that a special situation exists that needs an exception to the parking policy, our officers will work with them to develop a protocol for their situation.”

Natalia Skaggs, a freshman at Lincoln Land Community College, doesn’t worry about getting to her parking spot safely from the east-side restaurant where she works. She uses her cell phone for safety.

“I always call my mom when I’m walking out, because our managers don’t watch us, so I’m usually on the phone,” she said.

Natalia doesn’t think she’ll ever take a self-defense class because of “laziness and lack of time.” Madison and Andrea, however, both said they hope to be able to take such a class in the future.

“I think I will, honestly,” Madison said. “It seems to be kind of a popular thing.”

While no clear formula can prevent a dangerous situation every time, women can take several steps toward personal safety.

Brendan Lee, a security officer at Lincoln Land Community College, teaches a self-defense class that he believes all women should take. His Rape Aggression Defense class is open to all females in the community older than 11.

“I think it is kind of an empowerment for women to go through a self-defense class,” Lee said.

“They don’t need to depend on anyone else for their safety. They can’t rely on anyone else.”

Lee emphasized that while 10 percent of the class is about physical self-defense, the more important part is the 90 percent that is mental. “We go into safety at home, walking, driving, vacation, hotels,” Lee said.

Lee emphasizes that all females can take the class, even if they’re not in the best physical shape. He tells participants to work at their own pace and to try to practice the tools they’ve learned in the class by using it in their workouts.

On completion of a RAD class, the student receives a manual signed by a teacher. She then can attend any other RAD class offered throughout the country for free.

Lee suggests that people refresh their skills annually. “It’s one of those things where if you don’t use it,” he said, “you’ll lose it.”

Sierra Campbell is a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Staying Safe
Here are some ways tips from the J & L Defese Co. that may help keep you safe in a potentially dangerous situation.

Always be aware. You don’t have to be paranoid, but being aware of your surroundings can help lower your chances of a surprise attack.

Trust your instincts. If a person or place looks suspicious, they are. Trust your gut feeling and remove yourself from a situation as soon as possible.

Avoid the “victim-look”. Always walk confidentially, look people in the eye, and walk with a purpose. A criminal is more likely to attack someone they perceive as weak or confused.

Think "escape", not "fight". Though fighting may be the best way to get out of some tense situations, escape should always be your main priority. Consider talking to a would-be assailant until you can surprise them and run off.

A defense weapon only works if it works quickly. Pepper spray or mace is a good defense but only if it is easily accessible. Never try to fight back with a gun. Work with the person's demands until you have the opportunity to escape.

If you fight back, aim for the eyes, mouth, nose, and groin. These areas are sensitive and will cause the most hurt for the least effort.

Walk along a well-lit path and with other people whenever possible. Criminals are afraid to be caught so stay in areas where they might be seen.

Drive smart. Check your car before entering and always have your keys ready before you leave the building If you think you’re being followed, drive to the police station or somewhere safe.

It is always OK to call the police. Dial 911 and speak to the operator about what’s happening. Anytime you feel threatened, the police should know.

RAD self-defense class
WHERE: Lincoln Land Community College Capital City Training Center
WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28
WHO: Anyone over the age of 11 (those younger than 18 must have parental consent and a guardian older than 18 with them)
Call 524-6749 for more information.

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